- We start with news of a comparative analysis of the distinct immune landscapes of brain tumours. Looking at tumours side by side, the differences between primary and metastatic brain cancers, high-grade versus low-grade gliomas and among metastases originating from different primary sites, can be seen. Scientists hope the resultant data will be a very important resource for the brain tumour community to help advance the development of immune-targeted therapies.
- Following clinical studies, industry results released this week look promising for Cellworks Singula™. “These studies demonstrate significant progress in the journey to increase survival rates for brain cancer patients, Cellworks Singula™ enables oncologists to deeply understand which therapies will be efficacious for individual GBM and LGG patients and to avoid prescribing ineffective therapies that waste precious time.” said the CEO of Cellworks.
- More clinical trials news was presented at the virtual 2020 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), this week including updates on the clinical safety and efficacy of ONC201 across a number of clinical trials, age groups, and tumour types, including H3 K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma. The mutation, which can occur in several different types of brain tumours, including astrocytoma, glioblastoma (GBM), and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), is observed more frequently in younger patients. Tumours with an H3 K27M mutation have no effective treatments and are associated with poor overall survival.
- Brain tumours are a conundrum for the liquid biopsy field, providing both a clear opportunity — because of the difficulty and danger in obtaining tissue samples from the brain relative to other organs — but also a significant challenge, as research has shown that brain tumours seem to shed DNA into the blood at much lower rates and quantities than other cancers. This interesting piece, again following ASCO, looks at oncologists who are researching liquid biopsy technologies that could help them more easily and consistently analyse tumour genomics and monitor patients in ways that have so far been either difficult or impossible.
- Kazia Therapeutics Limited an Australian oncology-focused biotechnology company, presented a poster at ASCO on the ongoing phase II study of paxalisib in glioblastoma, they seem pleased with the progress.
- Click on the link to read more about an international alliance aiming to link genomic cancer datasets to help improve researchers' understanding of rare paediatric brain cancer subtypes leading to personalised treatments
- Although this item is focussed on breast cancer it does mention research efforts have found that targeting TRAF3IP2 can stop the spread of glioblastoma. Hopefully, clinical trials will be beginning soon clinical trials soon.
- Finishing on more positive clinical news this as week as Nascent Biotech to begin Phase 1 Human Trials for Brain Cancer Drug
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